The Waves: On every surfer's must-visit list, Nias is notorious for its steep and powerful waves. The 2004 tsunami actually moved the reef so significantly that the surf became even better.

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The Spot: Ollie's Point in Siglufjörder, Iceland

The Waves: While this is widely regarded as one of Iceland's best surf spots, a crowded day sees only about 10 surfers. Fall and late spring are the best times to catch waves up to 15-feet high. Just make sure you wear your thickest wetsuit for this chilly locale.

The Waves: Thought to be the best right-hand ride in the world, Jeffrey's Bay is known for its long, fast barrels—rides are often more than 900 feet long! It also plays host to the annual Billabong Pro ASP World Tour surfing competition.

The Waves: Calling all risk-takers: The shallow waters and sharp, coral-covered ocean floor can make for a rough ride. But Cloud Nine is also famous for wrapping surfers in the tube of the wave, and—as all surfers know—this experience (often called the green room) is the ultimate dream.

The Waves: This stretch of surf picks up swells from almost every direction, gaining its energy from the North Atlantic. Check out The Peak for long, hollow barrels, or stick with Rossnowlagh Beach if you're more of a beginner. Either way, with views of rolling pastures and stone castles, how could you go wrong?

The Waves: Even though water temperatures hardly ever make it above 55 degrees, Montauk is one of New York's best surf spots. In the winter it picks up swell from the North Atlantic, and in the late summer, hurricane season makes for some of the best surf of the year.